Enhancing University Street: Safety and Mobility Improvements in San Diego

The City of San Diego is undertaking a significant project to revitalize University Avenue, transforming this vital roadway segment between Fairmount and Euclid Avenues. The University Avenue Complete Street Phase 1 project is primarily focused on enhancing safety and improving mobility for all users – pedestrians, transit riders, and drivers – while also beautifying this important University Street corridor.

Project Overview: Reimagining University Avenue

This comprehensive initiative, known as the University Avenue Complete Street Phase 1 project, will introduce a range of safety enhancements along University Avenue, specifically targeting the stretch from Fairmount Avenue to Euclid Avenue. Key improvements include:

• Roadway Redesign: The project will implement modern roundabouts at the intersections of Highland, Chamoune, and Menlo Avenues. These roundabouts are proven to enhance traffic flow and reduce accident severity. Additionally, raised center medians will be installed to further improve safety by managing turning movements and pedestrian crossings. The existing asphalt will be overlaid and the roadway re-striped for better lane definition and traffic management.
• Pedestrian-Focused Upgrades: Pedestrian safety is a paramount concern. To address this, the project includes rectangular rapid flashing beacons at crosswalks to increase driver awareness of pedestrians. High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) signals, designed to stop traffic and ensure safe pedestrian passage, will also be installed. Sidewalks will be widened to provide more comfortable pedestrian space, and curb extensions will shorten crossing distances at intersections. Curb ramps will be upgraded to meet accessibility standards.
• Transit Enhancements: Recognizing the importance of public transportation, the project incorporates new transit stops and extends existing ones. These improvements will enhance the efficiency and accessibility of bus services along University street.
• Drainage System Modernization: A new storm drain system will be installed as part of the project. This crucial infrastructure upgrade will improve drainage and reduce the risk of flooding in the area, contributing to the long-term resilience of University street.

This ambitious project is situated within one of San Diego’s most densely populated urban areas. The locale is characterized by a mix of residential neighborhoods, bustling business districts, major arterial roads connecting various communities, local streets, and pedestrian-friendly zones. The University Avenue Complete Street project is designed to seamlessly integrate these diverse elements, creating a more cohesive and functional urban environment.

Construction Timeline and Key Phases

Construction on the University Avenue Complete Street Phase 1 project commenced in January 2023 and is on track for substantial completion by Spring 2025.

Anticipated Construction Activities: January 23 – March 2025

During this phase, construction will concentrate on the following key areas:

• Chamoune Avenue Intersection Enhancements: Work will involve widening sidewalks and installing curb extensions at the University Avenue and Chamoune Avenue intersection. Irrigation and electrical conduits will also be installed at this location, preparing for landscaping and lighting improvements.

• South Side Improvements: Alley aprons and curb ramps will be installed along the south side of University Avenue, enhancing accessibility and pedestrian flow.

• Roundabout Construction at Chamoune Avenue: Significant work will be undertaken to construct popouts, sidewalks, and the center median for the roundabout at the University Avenue and Chamoune Avenue intersection.

  • Traffic Detour: This phase of construction necessitates a full traffic detour for approximately nine weeks, starting Thursday, January 23rd and expected to conclude around March 28th, 2025. Both eastbound and westbound traffic on University Avenue will be diverted around the construction zone at the Highland Avenue intersection.
    • Eastbound Detour: Drivers heading east will be directed north onto Highland Avenue, then east onto El Cajon Boulevard, followed by a southward turn onto Menlo Avenue to rejoin University Avenue.
    • Westbound Detour: The westbound detour route involves heading north on Menlo Avenue, west on El Cajon Boulevard, south on Highland Avenue, and then back onto University Avenue.

• Stormwater Infrastructure Installation: Installation of stormwater improvements will continue on the south side of University Avenue, contributing to the new drainage system.

Motorists in the vicinity should anticipate ongoing traffic delays as construction crews operate in and around University Avenue. While pedestrian detours may be necessary to access businesses at times, it is important to note that all businesses will remain open and accessible throughout the construction period. The project team is committed to minimizing disruptions to the community as much as possible during construction.

Community Engagement: Progress Update Meetings

To ensure transparent communication and keep the community informed, City staff will host bi-weekly construction progress update meetings. These meetings will be held every other Monday at 9:00 AM, starting Monday, October 21st. The meeting location is conveniently situated in the open space between O’Reilly Auto Parts and GameStop, near 4435 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105. This provides a public forum for residents and business owners to receive updates and ask questions about the University street project.

For more detailed information regarding the project’s schedule and budget, please visit: Project Schedule and Budget Details.

Navigating Traffic Impacts During Construction

Starting Thursday, January 23rd, a clearly marked detour will be implemented for both eastbound and westbound traffic on University Avenue near the Chamoune Avenue intersection. This detour is essential to facilitate the safe construction of popouts, sidewalks, and the central median for the new roundabout at this key intersection. This phase of work is projected to last until approximately March 28, 2025.

• Eastbound Detour Route: Eastbound drivers will be redirected north onto Highland Avenue, east onto El Cajon Boulevard, and then south on Menlo Avenue to return to University Avenue.
• Westbound Detour Route: Westbound traffic will be guided north on Menlo Avenue, west on El Cajon Boulevard, south on Highland Avenue, and back onto University Avenue.

Alt Text: Detailed detour map illustrating the temporary traffic rerouting for eastbound and westbound University Avenue traffic near Chamoune Avenue in San Diego, due to ongoing road construction for the University Street Complete Street project. The map clearly highlights Highland Avenue, El Cajon Boulevard, and Menlo Avenue as detour routes.

During this detour period, MTS bus routes 7 and 10 will also be affected and rerouted. For the most up-to-date information on bus route detours, please consult the MTS website: MTS Alerts and Detours.

Please be aware that additional temporary road closures, traffic diversions, and parking and access restrictions will be in effect intermittently throughout the construction period. However, it is re-emphasized that all businesses along University street will remain open during construction, and pedestrian access will be maintained.

Stay Informed: Email Updates and Project Contact

Every effort is being made to minimize the impact of construction on residents and businesses within the community. However, as with any major infrastructure project, some disruptions are unavoidable. To keep the community well-informed about anticipated construction activities and any potential impacts, regular updates will be posted on the project website and distributed via email to subscribers as significant milestones are reached.

To subscribe to email updates, simply enter your email address in the “Join Our Email List” box typically found on the project webpage and select the “Project Updates: University Avenue Complete Street Phase 1” email list. Staying informed is the best way to navigate the temporary changes and witness the positive transformation of University street.